Lindsey Pearlman’s cause of death has been revealed after autopsy.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner ruled that the death of the “Empire” actress was a suicide caused by sodium nitrite poisoning, according to a report obtained by People Monday.
The report also noted that “the presence of non-toxic levels of lorazepam, metoclopramide and codeine” were found in her system.
Pearlman, who also had a recurring role on ABC’s “General Hospital,” went missing on February 16 and was found dead two days later in a vehicle at the entrance to Runyon Canyon Park in LA. She was 43.
An initial autopsy came back inconclusive, with a coroner’s spokeswoman telling The Post a cause of death would only be realized with further investigation.
After police found her body, Pearlman’s husband, Vance Smith, said he was “broken.”
“She’s gone,” Smith wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post. “I’m exhausted.”
Pearlman’s cousin Savannah Pearlman also said she was “deeply sad” while confirming the Chicago resident’s death on Twitter, adding that Pearlman was discovered “too late” to be rescued.
Meanwhile, a representative of the actress and animal rights campaigner said relatives did not want to discuss her death publicly.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lindsey Pearlman today,” the statement said. “The family has asked for privacy at this difficult time as they process and grieve.”
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).